Speedway News (8538)
Keep up on racing and speedway news from around the US
Lee Brice To Kick Off Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Camping World 400 at Chicagoland Speedway
14 Mar 2019 Written by Steven B. WilsonChicagoland Speedway announced today that country music singer and song writer Lee Brice will kick off the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Camping World 400 with a performance on Sunday, June 30 following fans’ “Parking Lot Parties.” The Camping World 400 pre-race concert is presented by New Country, Chicago’s BIG 95.5.
With more than 12 million in RIAA certified sales, Lee Brice has achieved Gold and Platinum on every album and single released — with “A Woman Like You” reaching Double Platinum status. Gold album Certifications include: Love Like Crazy, Hard 2Love and I Don't Dance. The award-winning male vocalist has also received Platinum single certifications for “I Don't Dance” and “A Woman Like You,” with “That Don’t Sound Like You” reaching double Platinum.
With more than 2 billion spins on Pandora, Lee was inducted into the streaming service’s ‘Billionaires Club’ on June 8, 2018. The “Rumor” singer, who is now among the Top 25 most-streamed country artists of all time on Pandora, was only the second country artist behind Keith Urban to receive the Pandora Billionaire plaque and puts Lee in company with not only Urban, but legends including Johnny Cash and Fleetwood Mac, and pop icons such as John Legend.
Lee’s new single “Rumor” is out now and follows “Boy,” the debut song from his fourth studio album, Lee Brice (November 3, 2017).
Lee Brice is a GRAMMY nominee, a CMA nominee and a double ACM award winner, and he's taken five radio singles to #1: “A Woman Like You," “Hard To Love," “I Drive Your Truck," “I Don’t Dance," and “Drinking Class.” Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney and others have recorded his songs and he's performed on TV shows including NBC's Today, ABC's The Bachelor, NBC's The Voice and FOX's Miss USA 2018. For more about Lee Brice, visit: www.leebrice.com
“Enlisting the talent of a gifted performer and iconic song writer like Lee Brice has become part of our Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race day tradition,” said Chicagoland Speedway President Scott Paddock. “Lee will be an exciting addition to an already energetic and memorable schedule of festivities.”
Two exclusive Lee Brice Pre-Race Concert Packages are Available for June 30.
- Starting at $89 - Lee Brice Concert Package - Grandstand Tickets and Infield Fan Zone Pit Pass. The Fan Zone Pit Pass is required to enter the infield for the concert. This package is also available with different grandstand section seating at an increased price.
- Starting at $119 - Concert VIP Package- A grandstand ticket, an Infield Fan Zone Pit Pass and VIP Front of Stage access. Fans with grandstand tickets will have the ability to view and listen to the concert from their seat as well.
The Concert VIP Package starts at $119, which includes Section L seats. This package also available with different grandstand section seating at an increased price.
Fans that have already purchased tickets can call 888-629-RACE (7223) to upgrade front of stage access.
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway will take place in June as part of the four-race weekend June 27 – June 30. The weekend will kick off on Thursday, June 27 with the ARCA Menards Series Bounty 150 followed by NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Camping World 225 under the lights on Friday night. On Saturday, the NASCAR Xfinity Series Camping World 300 will hit the track as the precursor to Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Camping World 400 showdown.
To purchase tickets to any 2019 Chicagoland Speedway event, visit us online at www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com, call 888-629-RACE (7223), download the Chicagoland Speedway mobile app, visit the Chicagoland Speedway Administrative office or stop by the box office on the day of the event.
For the most current information about Chicagoland Speedway, follow us on Facebook along with Twitter and Instagram @chicagolndspdwy.
CLS PR
BMS Introduces New Enhanced Fan Experience For Food City 500 Weekend
14 Mar 2019 Written by Steven B. WilsonAs the countdown to April continues at Bristol Motor Speedway, a host of new fan enhancements are being offered to guests attending the Food City 500 weekend, April 5-7.
New amenities and experiences on tap include:
- The Turn 1 Tavern, the only combined indoor/outdoor suite at BMS. The climate-controlled area of the suite features a cigar-lounge feel, complete with leather, theatre-style seating, brick walls reminiscent of a speakeasy, and an impressive selection of bourbon and other spirits. Want more of an open-air racing experience? Grab the cigar and/or beverage of your choice and step outside onto the rooftop deck to enjoy the best views the Last Great Colosseum has to offer.
- Grandstand entertainment comes to life with the addition of the BMS Fun Squad. Watch for these Speedway ambassadors as they hand out prizes and rev up the crowd during cautions, stage breaks and more.
- In addition to the food and beverage locations available on the concourse level, BMS is introducing a series of Half-Mile Hangout locations. These lounge areas will offer fans comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, games and craft beer selections.
- Earlier this month, BMS announced a bigger, bolder and louder pre-race pit party during the Food City 500. The dynamic pre-race show will amplify driver introductions with a pumped-up backdrop of pyrotechnics, smoke and energized music set on a stage in the pits along the frontstretch. Country music superstar Randy Houser will ignite pre-race festivities with his distinctive sound.
- And finally, NASCAR’s Trackside Live, with fan favorites Jose Castillo and Amy Long, returns to deliver more driver access, live music and entertainment options, plus worldwide broadcasts from the stage, which serves as a centerpiece for the BMS Fan Zone near the famed Bristol elevator tower.
“We always listen to our guests and incorporate ideas to improve the customer experience for NASCAR enthusiasts of all ages,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager of BMS. “Our goal is always to exceed expectations in everything we do and these new enhancements move us forward in that mission.”
Tickets for the Food City 500 weekend are still available, and fans are encouraged to purchase before March 16, when adult ticket prices increase. Kids’ tickets (12 and under) are free and adult tickets are $10 for Bush’s Beans Pole Day on Friday, April 5. On Saturday, April 6, kids' tickets are free and adult tickets start at $35 for the Alsco 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race and the Zombie Auto 150 NASCAR K&N Series event. On Sunday, April 7, adult tickets start at $50 (until March 16) for the Food City 500 and kids' tickets are $10. For all races, each child must have a physical ticket in hand to enter the gates. The Bristol Motor Speedway ticket office is the only authorized location that can produce the free kids' tickets.
Fans who want to get up close to on-track festivities are encouraged to add a Pre-Race Pit Stop pass to their race weekend experience. The pass provides several amenities, including a cold pass for infield access, opportunities to see the teams and haulers up close, access to Food City 500 pre-race ceremonies, including the pre-race concert featuring Randy Houser as well as driver intros.
To purchase tickets to the Food City 500, please call 423-BRISTOL or buy them online at www.BRISTOLTIX.com. Tickets can also be purchased directly from any neighborhood Food City store.
BMS PR
Up for the Challenge? - BONEFROG - “The World’s ONLY Navy SEAL Obstacle Course Race” Returns to Talladega Superspeedway Saturday, March 23
14 Mar 2019 Written by Steven B. WilsonFor the third consecutive year, BONEFROG – an Obstacle Course Race (OCR) owned and operated by U.S. Navy SEALs – invades the most competitive track in NASCAR, Talladega Superspeedway, on Saturday, March 23.
BONEFROG is the world’s only Navy SEAL OCR. It was created by Navy SEALs to challenge, build and inspire participants to become better athletes and recognize they can do anything they set their minds to while enjoying the camaraderie and teamwork usually reserved for active duty Navy SEALs.
Held in Talladega’s iconic infield as well as around the outside of the mammoth property, this one-of-a-kind event consists of three race distances. They include: 3 mile Sprint / 20+ obstacles; 6 mile Challenge / 30+ obstacles; and 9 mile TIER-1 / 50+ obstacles. There is also an Endurance race which includes the Challenge plus as many sprint laps as possible by the time cut off. All NEW this year is the BONEFROG Trident where racers take on all 3 distances in one day (Sprint, Challenge and TIER-1). Youngsters can also join in on the fun with a kid’s race featuring 1/4 or 1/2 miles of 8+ Navy SEAL-style obstacles.
Navy SEALs, along with other Special Operations soldiers, will be part of the event staff and motivating racers. A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to the Navy SEAL Foundation providing immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the NAVAL Special Warfare community and their families.
To participate, pricing options or for more information, visit https://www.bonefrogchallenge.
Spectators are welcome and admission is $15 on site and $10 online. Event day parking will be on site for just $10. Vendors, music, beer, food and refreshments will also be available throughout the day’s event.
NASCAR action returns to Talladega Superspeedway, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year along with Transformation – The Talladega Superspeedway Infield Project presented by Graybar, for its spring tripleheader weekend, April 26-28. The General Tire 200 for the ARCA Menards Series will kick off the action-packed weekend on Friday, April 26. The MoneyLion 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series event is set for Saturday, April 27, with the weekend's anchor event, the GEICO 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race, is scheduled for Sunday, April 28.
TSS PR
Drivers and teams throughout central Illinois are ready to show off their newly painted rides this coming weekend at Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth, IL. The show is back for a fourth straight year, after a near 20 year hiatus. The Macon and Lincoln Speedway event is scheduled for this Friday-Sunday, March 15-17.
The show will be three days long with cars entering on Thursday, March 14 at 9:00 PM and exiting on Sunday, March 17 at 5:00 PM. Track Enterprises will also have a booth set up, handing out info including pocket schedules for their special events in addition to Macon, Lincoln, and the Terre Haute Action Track. UMP Memberships will be on sale in addition to a signup box for a chance to win Macon Speedway and Lincoln Speedway season opener tickets.
The show is a great benefit to those who like to display their newly prepared rides before receiving battle scars from on track action. It's also an additional benefit to sponsors, putting them in front of thousands of sets of eyes over the course of the show. Those who entered the show are asked to arrive by 8:30 on Thursday night to prepare for entry into the mall and to bring material for under the car in case of a possible leak.
The car show is the unofficial start to the season, as test and tune events will start next week on Saturday, March 23 at Macon Speedway and Sunday, March 24 at Lincoln Speedway. Lincoln Speedway’s 16th season of racing will take the green flag on Friday, April 12th, while the 74th Macon Speedway season opener is set for Saturday, April 13.
Hickory Point Mall opened in 1978 and is located in Forsyth, IL, the northside of the greater Decatur area. It features Bergner's, Kohl's, Ross, Von Maur, TJ Maxx, and Hobby Lobby in addition to a large number of specialty shops.
For information during the winter on the 2019 season, follow Macon Speedway online at www.maconracing.com, Lincoln Speedway online at www.lincolnspeedwayil.com, and Track Enterprises at www.trackenterprises.com. You can also call the office at 217-764-3200.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 15-17 Hickory Point Mall Racecar Show
Saturday, March 23 Macon Speedway Test & Tune 12:00-4:00
Sunday, March 24 Lincoln Speedway Test & Tune 12:00-4:00
Saturday, March 30 Lincoln Speedway Test & Tune 12:00-4:00
Sunday, March 31 Macon Speedway Test & Tune 12:00-4:00
Saturday, April 6 Macon Speedway Test & Tune 12:00-4:00
Friday, April 12 Lincoln Speedway 16th Season Opener
Saturday, April 13 Macon Speedway 74th Season Opener
Macon/Lincoln Speedway PR
TicketGuardian Shines Spotlight on Exemplary Fans in Second Year as Title Sponsor of TicketGuardian 500 in Phoenix
14 Mar 2019 Written by Steven B. WilsonTicketGuardian, a Protecht company, waved the checkered flag on an extraordinary second year as title sponsor of the TicketGuardian 500 NASCAR Weekend on Mar. 8-10, 2019, at ISM Raceway in Phoenix with a focus on fan engagement and support.
A special highlight of the weekend was the launch of the TicketGuardian FanStories project with Larry Ogburn, a diehard NASCAR fan attending his 55th running of the Phoenix race. In recognition of his longstanding devotion to the sport, Ogburn received all-access passes to the TicketGuardian suite, the pit area and victory lane; a hot lap in the pace car; plus a commemorative "Larry 55 Years" embroidered cap, a shirt and a lanyard courtesy of TicketGuardian.
Young area automotive enthusiasts were also celebrated by TicketGuardian at this years competition. The company hosted a group of 32 students and educators from the Paradise Valley High School Automotive Technologies program that fielded the winning team at the Arizona High School Pit Crew Challenge held at Tucson Dragway last October. The group represented a wide range of backgrounds with a shared passion for the automotive world.
In addition, a drawing was held for complimentary admission to next years race and a special grandstand ticket package was available that included FanShield ticket protection at no additional cost.
"This years TicketGuardian 500 was literally non-stop everywhere you looked, from the track to the fans," said Protecht Founder and CEO Bryan Derbyshire. "Our top priority is delivering exceptional experiences for the fans of every event. Its what we live and work for each day. Theres nothing like hearing the roar of the crowd and seeing the smiles on peoples faces."
The TicketGuardian technology suite empowers event organizers to gain control over their ticket inventory, customer service, strategic marketing and ultimately their fan experience while providing real-time data and analytics. Fanshield offers a robust, dynamic solution for the live events industry to protect attendees and organizers alike from financial burden by insuring tickets, registrations and events including music, sports, endurance, conferences and more.
For more information on Protecht and its full suite of event support offerings, visit www.protecht.io.
TicketGuardian PR
Legends Day presented by Firestone To Salute Sensational '60s on May 25 at IMS
14 Mar 2019 Written by Steven B. WilsonThe 1960s - a thrilling decade of heroes and some of the most beloved cars in Indianapolis 500 history - will be saluted through a variety of exciting activities for fans during Legends Day presented by Firestone on Saturday, May 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Fan activities included with general admission to Legends Day presented by Firestone include:
- Autograph session with the full 2019 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge field from 9-10 a.m. in the Pagoda Plaza
- Public drivers' meeting starting at 10:25 a.m. adjacent to the Tower Terrace stands
- Historic car laps on the historic IMS oval from 11:15 a.m.-12:20 p.m., including Indy cars from the 1960s
- Autograph session with retired Indy 500 drivers, with legends from the 1960s expected to participate, from noon-2:30 p.m. in the North Chalet
- Historic cars on display in trackside garages, including vehicles from the 1960s
General admission tickets for Legends Day presented by Firestone are available at IMS.com for $10, with kids 15 and under admitted free with an adult.
Legends Day general admission tickets do not include admission to the Firestone Legends Day Concert featuring multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band at 3:30 p.m. that afternoon inside Turn 4 at IMS. Tickets for that exciting show start at $35 and also are available at IMS.com.
"There have been many great eras in the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, but few have captivated the fans like the 1960s," IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. "It was a transformative decade of iconic drivers and machines that helped 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing' reach a new level of global popularity. We can't wait to share in this celebration with our loyal fans on Legends Day presented with Firestone, and we thank Firestone for its continued support of these events that create new magic and memories."
The 1960s were one of the most transformative eras in the history of the world's most prestigious auto race.
Indy icons such as Jim Rathmann, A.J. Foyt, Rodger Ward, Parnelli Jones, Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Bobby Unser and Mario Andretti won "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" during the 1960s, while legends such as Al Unser, Johnny Rutherford, Gordon Johncock, Dan Gurney, Jackie Stewart, Jack Brabham, Mark Donohue and Lloyd Ruby all made their "500" debuts during the decade. Team Penske, which has won a record 17 Indianapolis 500's, also made its IMS debut in 1969.
Great technological change also swept across the Speedway during the decade. The 1960s started with the continued dominance of the hulking front-engine roadster cars, such as Jones' famous No. 98 Watson/Offy nicknamed "Calhoun" that he drove to victory in 1963. But the revolution of lithe, rear-engine formula cars also took root during the decade, with Clark's victory in a Lotus-Ford in 1965 starting a streak of Indy 500 wins by rear-engine cars that continues to this day.
Famous cars powered by gas turbine helicopter engines also captivated fans with their distinctive sound and set speed records in the late 1960s. Andretti's 1969 race-winning Hawk III/Ford included aerodynamic pieces built into the body that set the stage for the wings that drastically increased downforce and speeds in the early 1970s at the Speedway.
The 1960s theme of Legends Day presented by Firestone also dovetails with the 50th anniversary celebration of the sole victory in "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" by the legendary Andretti, in 1969. Andretti will be featured on Bronze Badge and Silver Badge credentials and in the 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Official Program.
Tickets for 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the sixth INDYCAR Grand Prix are on sale now at IMS.com.
IMS PR
Ten80 Education to host STEM competition at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Tuesday, March 19
14 Mar 2019 Written by Steven B. WilsonOn Tuesday, March 19, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Ten80 Education, a micro-publisher of STEM curriculum, will welcome more than 125 middle and high school students from Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties to showcase their team’s engineering, enterprise and robotic skills in the Miami Regional Spring Invitational.
A total of eight different schools will participate in the event. The event will be hosted at the Speedway’s remote control racetrack, where numerous remote control competitions are held throughout the year.
The following schools will be participating in the event:
· Barbara Goleman High School (Miami Lakes)
· G. Holmes Braddock High School (Miami)
· Hialeah Gardens High School
· Hialeah-Miami Lakes High School
· Miami Coral Park High School
· Miami Lakes Education Center
· Terra Environmental Research Institute (Miami)
· The Benjamin School (Palm Beach)
Homestead Miami Speedway PR
Doc Mattioli Nominated for Prestigious NASCAR Landmark Award
14 Mar 2019 Written by Steven B. WilsonDr. Joseph “Doc” Mattioli has been named as a nominee for the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. Pocono Raceway, the host of two NASCAR race weekends each summer, was founded by “Doc” and his wife Dr. Rose Mattioli. The Mattioli’s have owned and operated ‘The Tricky Triangle’ for over 50 years.
Mattioli Family: “Dr. Rose Mattioli, along with all four generations of the Mattioli and Igdalsky families would like to thank the Hall of Fame for nominating ‘Doc.” He was more than our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, but our inspiration to continue his legacy. Doc’s tenacity, fortitude and determination gave us a shining example of how to do business. His handshake was better than a contract. We have always attributed Sinatra’s song to Doc’s style - He did it ‘his’ way. He persevered through nearly two decades of bankruptcy and uncertainty with help of Bill France, Sr, his wife Annie B., and Bill France, Jr. If it had not been for their guidance and friendship, Pocono Raceway would not be here today. Doc is in our hearts and thoughts every day in all the decisions that we make … He may be gone, but he is always with us.”
The Landmark Award recipients could include competitors or those working the sport as a member of a racing organization, track facility, race team, sponsor, media partner or being a general ambassador for the sport through a professional or non-professional role. Award winners remain eligible for NASCAR Hall of Fame enshrinement. Voting for the 2020 Class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, as well as the recipient of the Landmark Award, will be held on May 22, 2019.
The five nominees for the 2020 Landmark Award include (in alphabetical order): Edsel Ford II – member of the board of directions for Ford Motor Company; Alvin Hawkins – NASCAR’s first flagman and established NASCAR Racing at Bowman Gray Stadium; Mike Helton – named as the third President of NASCAR in 2000 and held previous roles at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway; “Doc Mattioli – Co-Founder of Pocono Raceway; Ralph Seagraves – formed groundbreaking Winston-NASCAR partnership as an executive with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
Previous recipients of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR include Jim Hunter (2019), Jim France (2018), H. Clay Earles (2017), Harold Brasington (2016) and Anne Bledsoe France (2015).
For more details about the Landmark award, visit www.nascarhall.com/inductees/landmark-award.
Pocono Raceway PR
Statement from Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup on the passing of Charlie Whiting
14 Mar 2019 Written by Steven B. Wilson“This is a sad day for Formula One and for motorsport as a whole. Charlie Whiting was an icon and an active leader for change who was always working to improve the safety, competition, and overall health of our sport. Few have contributed so much, and done so with such grace. On behalf of our entire team at Watkins Glen International, we greatly appreciate the contributions of Charlie Whiting, and offer our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.” - Michael Printup | President, Watkins Glen International
NAPA Auto Parts Concert Series Returns for Fifth Consecutive Season
14 Mar 2019 Written by Steven B. WilsonMulti-platinum selling band Kansas, Grammy Award-winning metal band Dokken and rising country music star Granger Smith will headline this summer’s NAPA Auto Parts Concert Series at Iowa Speedway.
The NAPA Auto Parts Concert Series returns for a fifth consecutive year, featuring three dynamic acts complementing six thrilling races. As in seasons past, each installment of the NAPA Auto Parts Concert Series will take place at the Party Pavilion, overlooking Turn 4, following the conclusion of the first race of each event weekend.
“The reprisal of the NAPA Auto Parts Concert Series continues our deep-seeded commitment to providing our fans with a complete entertainment experience on race weekends, which involves much more than racing,” said Iowa Speedway President David Hyatt. “The NAPA Auto Parts Concert Series was developed to attract new fans to Iowa Speedway who may not otherwise be aware of, or come to see, a race here … All while being awesome post-race revelry for our most ardent fans.”
The 2019 NAPA Auto Parts Concert Series kicks off on Saturday, June 16, following the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Iowa 200. After the trucks have completed the 200-lap “Leftoverture,” Iowa Speedway fans will get to show they are ready to “Carry on Wayward Son” as legendary rock band, Kansas, takes center stage.
Dokken's high-energy style and power ballads such as "Alone Again" will keep fans cheering following the ARCA Menards Series Iowa 150 on Saturday, July 19. INDYCAR will speed things up the following day with the NTT IndyCar Series Iowa 300, as the stars of INDYCAR solidify Iowa Speedway’s affirmation as the Fastest Short Track on the Planet.
Just one week later, the NAPA Auto Parts Concert Series will close out in style on Friday, July 26, starring country singer and songwriter Granger Smith. Smith, named Hottest Artist to Watch in 2016 by Taste of Country, will perform following the NASCAR K&N Pro Series Casey’s General Store 150.
Single-race and event weekend tickets can be purchased in one of three convenient ways. Fans can purchase tickets, access additional information and ask questions by visiting IowaSpeedway.com, calling 866-787-8946, or dropping by the Ticket Office in Newton, Iowa Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CT.
Iowa Speedway PR
Neil Bonnett Joins fellow “Alabama Gang” member Red Farmer on NASCAR Hall of Fame Nominee List
14 Mar 2019 Written by Steven B. WilsonNASCAR announced today that the late Neil Bonnett, who hailed from Hueytown, AL, has joined fellow “Alabama Gang” member Charles “Red” Farmer on the list of nominees eligible for induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
In addition to Bonnett, five new inductees made the list of 20 nominees that will be chosen for the 2020 induction class on Voting Day, Wednesday, May 22. The list of new honorees was decided on by both the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel and a nationwide fan vote on NASCAR.com. The other five first-time nominees include three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, NASCAR Xfinity Series pioneer and two-time champion Sam Ard, Daytona 500 winner Marvin Panch, short track ace Jim Paschal, and the first master mechanic in NASCAR, Red Vogt. Stewart won a total of 49 premier series races from 1999-2016, one of which came at Talladega in 2008.
Bonnett captured 18 triumphs and 20 pole positions in an 18-year Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) career, drove for various teams, including legendary owners’ Junior Johnson and the Wood Brothers. In August of 1980, Bonnett piloted the Woods’ No. 21 Ford to victory at Talladega over Cale Yarborough and Dale Earnhardt. Five years later in ’85, he was runner-up to Yarborough by just .66-seconds on the 2.66-mile venue. The likable Bonnett also served as a motorsports television color commentator and appeared in several movies, including Stroker Ace and Days of Thunder.
Farmer, a two-time ARCA Series winner at TSS, captured the 1956 NASCAR Modified title and reeled off three NASCAR Late Model Sportsman Championships in 1969, 1970 & 1971. He was voted by his peers as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver four times. Named on of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998, he has won nearly 800 short track races in his career, and still competes at Talladega Short Track (dirt track) in the Late Model division on a regular basis at 86 years old.
Former Talladega Superspeedway President and current NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton is one of three new nominees for the prestigious Landmark Award, along with Edsel Ford II and Dr. Joe Mattioli. They join returning nominees Alvin Hawkins and Ralph Seagraves. This award honors competitors; “those working in the sport as a member of a racing organization, track facility, race team, sponsor, media partner;” or someone considered “a general ambassador for the sport through a professional or non-professional role.’’
Here is the full list of nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame (listed alphabetically):
Sam Ard, NASCAR Xfinity Series pioneer and two-time champion
Buddy Baker, won 19 times in the NASCAR Cup Series, including the Daytona 500 and Southern 500
Neil Bonnett, won 18 times in the NASCAR Cup Series, including consecutive Coca-Cola 600 wins
Red Farmer, three-time Late Model Sportsman champion; 1956 Modified champion
Ray Fox, legendary engine builder, crew chief and car owner
Harry Gant, winner of 18 NASCAR Cup Series races, including two Southern 500 victories
Joe Gibbs, combined for nine car owner championships in Cup and XFINITY series
John Holman, won two NASCAR Cup Series championships as co-owner of Holman-Moody Racing
Harry Hyde, 1970 NASCAR Cup Series championship crew chief
Bobby Labonte, won a championship in both the Cup Series and XFINITY Series
Hershel McGriff, 1986 NASCAR west series champion
Ralph Moody, won two NASCAR Cup Series championships as co-owner of Holman-Moody Racing
Marvin Panch, won 17 times in the NASCAR Cup Series, including the 1961 Daytona 500
Jim Paschal, 23 of his 25 NASCAR Cup Series wins came on short tracks
Larry Phillips, only five-time NASCAR weekly series national champion
Ricky Rudd, won 23 times in NASCAR Cup Series, including the 1997 Brickyard 400
Mike Stefanik, winner of record-tying nine NASCAR championships
Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, two-time Brickyard 400 winner
Red Vogt, the first master mechanic of NASCAR, and a founding member
Waddell Wilson, won three NASCAR Cup Series championships as an engine builder
The five nominees for the Landmark Award, listed alphabetically, are as follows:
Edsel Ford II, Ford Motor Company
Alvin Hawkins, NASCAR’s first flagman; established NASCAR racing at Bowman Gray Stadium with Bill France Sr.
Mike Helton, the first non-France family member to be named NASCAR President
Dr. Joseph Mattioli, founder of Pocono Raceway
Ralph Seagraves, formed groundbreaking Winston-NASCAR partnership as executive with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
TSS PR
